The closed road signs will be taken away Monday to unveil Lilydale Regional Park’s $2.1 million makeover.

While a few projects remain, the first phase of the two-part restoration project is 98 percent complete, said Brad Meyer, St. Paul Parks and Recreation spokesman.

Among the improvements, the main road through the park and its trails have been completely redone. The road’s added curves are meant to deter speeders.

Another goal of the project was to provide easier access to Pickerel Lake. Eventually, a picnic shelter, restrooms and a fishing pier will be added. The old dump site has been cleaned out and filled in.

Meyer said the main road should be open to traffic no later than Monday. The bike trails are accessible now.

Big Lake residents MaRita Jacobson and husband Erik said they stopped by Friday to see the fall colors when they saw some of the changes to the park.

“The last time we came here was five or six years ago,” MaRita Jacobson said. “We tried to take a picture in front of the lake but had to use the zoom to get the lake in the picture because it was so far away.”

“I think it’s a great improvement for the city of St. Paul,” Erik Jacobson said. “We’ll definitely try to come back.”

The project cost $2.1 million and was paid for by funds from the Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment. The construction started at the end of April.

The reopening will be welcomed by motorists who use Lilydale Road, a shortcut from downtown St. Paul to several Dakota County suburbs.

“We are thrilled,” said Maureen Gruntner, manager of Lilydale’s Pool and Yacht Club.

The road’s closure has limited access to the club, though Gruntner said the work hasn’t affected business.

The project’s second phase will begin next year and will work on the land east of the railroad trestle at the northeast end of the park.

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